The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to broaden market access for goods and services, and create more opportunities for Filipino workers in the Middle Eastern country. This marks the Philippines' first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern state, occurring during President Marcos' two-day working visit to the UAE.
At the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Summit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi signed on behalf of their countries.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated that the CEPA aims to reduce tariffs, enhance market access for goods and services, increase investment flows, and create new opportunities for Filipino professionals and service providers in the UAE.
It covers sectors such as digital trade, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), sustainable development, intellectual property, competition and consumer protection, government procurement, and technical cooperation.
Philippine exports like bananas, pineapples, canned tuna, electronics, machinery, and other high-demand products are expected to benefit.
According to PCO preliminary studies, the agreement could boost Philippine exports to the UAE by 9.13 percent, generate consumer savings, and strengthen trade linkages with the Gulf region.
It also provides a stable, non-discriminatory environment for Filipino firms, including MSMEs in information technology-business process management, tourism, healthcare, education, construction, and professional services.
The CEPA complements the Philippines' existing free trade agreements with Japan, South Korea, the European Free Trade Agreement, and regional pacts within ASEAN and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
The Philippines already has agreements with the UAE, including the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and cooperation on trade, energy, logistics, innovation, and tourism.
First Lady Liza Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, and Special Envoy Kathryna Yu-Pimentel attended the ceremony.
It was followed by a brief meeting between Marcos and Sheikh Mohamed to discuss trade, defense, and sustainable development.
This is Marcos' 40th overseas trip since assuming the presidency in 2022; he departed Manila on Monday evening and arrived in the UAE the same night.
